Free autism screenings for children set for Feb. 1

The OU Children’s Physicians’ Child Study Center has launched a new project to increase awareness and identification of autism in young children.

The Oklahoma Early Access Autism Project conducting free autism screen­ings children ages 13 months to 7 years of age by appointment Feb. 1 at the Carter County Health Department, located at 405 S. Washington St.

The purpose of the screening is to determine if developmental skills are progressing as expected. Screenings do not provide conclusive evidence of de­velopmental delays or autism and do not result in a diagnosis; therefore a positive screening result should be followed by a thorough assessment. Parents will receive information about resources in the com­munity so they can help their child get services if needed.

Oklahoma Early Access Autism Project, funded in part through a contract with the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council, partners with local communi­ties to offer monthly autism screenings and awareness throughout the state. The goal of the project is to reach underserved populations who may not have access to traditional developmental screening services.

To schedule an appointment for a screening or ask questions call (405) 295-5273, or visitwww.EarlyAccessOK.org.